Virginia is moving forward with stricter penalties for reckless driving, particularly targeting exhibition driving like street racing, burnouts, and dangerous takeovers.
The proposed legislation, which has already passed through the General Assembly and is now awaiting Governor Glenn Youngkin’s signature, seeks to address these hazardous behaviors that have led to fatalities and widespread safety concerns.
If enacted, offenders could face up to a year in jail, hefty fines, and other consequences like license suspension and vehicle impoundment.
Del. David Bulova, who sponsored the bill, emphasized that these events aren’t just disruptive but incredibly dangerous, often turning deadly.
In particular, the bill aims to expand the definition of reckless driving to include incidents that result in injuries or deaths from such activities, further increasing the severity of consequences.
There were also concerns regarding how the bill defines exhibition driving, with debates around the inclusion of spectators. While these concerns were addressed in the final version, the bill still sends a strong message that Virginia is serious about cracking down on illegal stunts that endanger lives.
This move is part of a broader effort to improve public safety on the state’s roads, especially in light of the growing problem of street racing and reckless driving incidents.